Nanotubes growth on Ti-15Mo alloys by anodization at low voltage

Surface modification by nanotubes growth is an efficient technique to improve the interaction between implant and biological environment. Several studies indicate who low voltages anodizations are able to generate nanotubes with smaller diameters, positive characteristic for the post-implantation cell growth. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphology of the nanotubes formed on Ti-15Mo surfaces applying 5 or 10 V as anodizing voltage. For both conditions were used glycerol based electrolyte with ammonium fluoride and the anodization time was 24 hours. The samples were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and annealed at 450 ° for 1 hour after anodization. In order to characterize the surfaces were performed scanning electron microscopy images, contact angle measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results confirmed the formation of nanotubes evenly distributed on the surfaces and a direct relation between anodizing voltage and nanotubes diameters.